Historically, there have been three main first aid levels available in South Africa: First Aid Level 1, First Aid Level 2, and First Aid Level 3. The ‘level’ of each of these first aid certificates refers to the corresponding NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level assigned to that course. As such, ‘First Aid Level 1’ is shorthand for ‘First Aid NQF Level 1’, and so on.
However, the first aid training landscape (and indeed, all occupational training) in South Africa is currently undergoing a shift. This is because the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) has taken over as the new accreditation body for all skills programmes in South Africa. Under the QCTO, new first aid courses are being released. These include Basic Emergency First Aid Responder, Intermediate Emergency First Aid Responder, and Advanced Emergency First Aid Responder.
While the new first aid skills programmes are also pegged to NQF levels, they are not identical to the existing First Aid Level 1, 2, and 3 courses. In this article, we’ll explain the difference, with the view to helping you choose the right training for you.
Why are there different first aid levels?
Different first aid levels exist to equip First Aiders with the skill level needed to manage emergencies in different contexts, industries, and environments. Each progressive first aid level builds on the skills and knowledge learnt in previous levels, offering a broader and more in-depth curriculum. While First Aid Level 1 is a comprehensive, well-rounded first aid course suitable for most work environments, First Aid Levels 2 and 3 are good choices for higher-risk environments.
In addition, by pegging first aid courses to NQF levels, First Aiders are provided with a clear progression pathway that allows them to improve their skills while gaining nationally recognised certifications.
What is the NQF?
The NQF is the National Qualifications Framework. The NQF is the official system used to classify and register training and education in South Africa. The NQF comprises of three sub-frameworks, the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-Framework (primary school and high school), Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (diplomas, degrees, doctorates, etc.), and the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (occupational certificates like first aid). All courses, training programmes, certifications, and qualifications across these three sub-frameworks are pegged to NQF levels, which means that learners can migrate from one stream to another without having to ‘start from scratch’.
First aid courses in South Africa are pegged to the following NQF levels:
- First Aid Level 1: NQF Level 1
- First Aid Level 2: NQF Level 2
- Basic Emergency First Aid Responder: NQF Level 2
- First Aid Level 3: NQF Level 3
- Intermediate Emergency First Aid Responder: NQF Level 3
- Advanced Emergency First Aid Responder: NQF Level 4
How do the different levels of first aid training differ?
All levels of first aid training should include theoretical and hands-on training components. Physically practicing lifesaving skills like CPR (on a CPR manikin), AED use, and bleeding control is essential to giving First Aiders the confidence and ability to administer quality first aid in an emergency. Pure theory without hands-on, practical training is not as effective.
So, while all levels of first aid training include theoretical and practical elements, higher levels of first aid training offer a broader curriculum, more in-depth learning, and additional practical exercises.
Which first aid level is best for workplace First Aiders?
Which first aid level is right for an appointed workplace First Aider depends on the risk level of the workplace and the First Aider’s interest in advancing their skillset.
First Aid NQF Level 1 and Basic Emergency First Aid Responder are both excellent first aid courses suitable for all workplaces and industries. These well-rounded courses equip delegates with essential first aid skills and knowledge, including CPR, AED use, choking, bleeding control, fractures, recognising and treating medical emergencies like heart attacks and strokes, environmental emergencies like hypothermia and heatstroke, snake bites, insect stings, shock, and fainting.
First Aiders working in higher-risk environments, like construction, manufacturing, mining, adventure tourism, or workplaces based in remote locations, will benefit from more advanced first aid training, like First Aid NQF Level 2 or First Aid NQF Level 3 and Intermediate Emergency First Aid Responder or Advanced Emergency First Aid Responder. These advanced courses cover everything included in lower level first aid training in more detail, as well as additional content like childbirth, drowning, oxygen administration, the Glasgow coma scale, First Aider mental preparedness, and more.
It’s important to remember that even in low-risk office settings, any First Aider interested in advancing their skills should be encouraged to attend a higher level of first aid training. Even in low-risk settings, serious injuries and medical emergencies can occur, so the better equipped your First Aider is, the better.
First Aid, Fire and Safety Training (FAFST) is an accredited provider of first aid training in South Africa.
Our fully accredited first aid courses are available nationwide at our training centres in Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town. We also offer training on site at your premises if you have eight or more delegates. Contact us to find out more about our First Aid NQF Level 1 training, our First Aid Levels 1, 2 and 3 combination course, and our CPR and Basic Life Support courses.